Choosing a Paddle

Here are three important factors to consider when choosing a paddle:

1. MATERIAL 

FULL CARBON – The best of the best! Carbon paddles tend to be very light and are the favourite for performance oriented and touring ocean/lake paddlers. Carbon paddles tend to have a stiffer shaft reducing power loss as you paddle. While carbon paddles tend to be a more fragile on rocks then alloy or fiberglass the lightness, strength, and looks of carbon paddles make them extremely popular for intermediate and experienced paddlers. Carbon looks and feels great in the hands. We sell two full carbon paddles - Red Paddle Co's Full Carbon and Black Project's EPIC.

CARBON AND FIBERGLASS – For those who want the benefits of carbon but also want something a little more durable and affordable, a carbon/fiberglass or carbon/plastic blend is a great choice. A carbon shaft keeps the weight down while the fiberglass blade increases durability and decreases the price. These paddles are great choice for beginner to advanced paddlers who expect to use their paddles in all kinds of conditions including lakes and rocky rivers.  Check out a great example of this paddle - the Black Project Pure.

FIBERGLASS – Fiberglass paddles are lighter then alloy paddles (lighter = more comfortable) and a great step up for those who are more serious about paddling. Though a little less durable then alloy, the lighter weight and toughness make them a great choice for river riders and those who paddle in areas with lots of rocks.  A great step up from alloy, fibreglass paddles also tend to have a little more give/flex which makes them easier on the shoulders and body.  Our Bravo Fiberglass Paddle is very affordable and popular.

ALLOY (Aluminum) - a very durable paddle materials but is also the heaviest. Great for the paddling novice or the once in a while paddle boarder on a budget.  Our Yanes Alloy Paddle is nearly indestructible and built to last.

2. NUMBER OF PIECES

SUP paddlers tend to use fixed, 2 piece adjustable or 3 piece adjustable paddles.  Here at Red River Paddle we only stock adjustable 3 piece paddles as they are the ones that fit nicely in our board bags - and allows friends and family to use them too.  We HIGHLY recommend pairing 3 piece paddles with your inflatable board.

3. WEIGHT: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WEIGHT DIFFERENCES ON A PADDLE

Not convinced that weight makes a big difference with a paddle? Try this simple test and see what you think.

  1. Find your household broom and a metal yard shovel.
  2. Next, stand up on a chair and “paddle” with your broom. Use good technique, top hand directly over your bottom hand so that the shaft is totally vertical. Reach way out toward the front of your imaginary SUP board with the “blade,” of your broom -then finish the stroke at your feet.
  3. Paddle five times on each side and then switch to your shovel.
  4. Can you feel the difference? Now imagine fighting that extra weight over the course of a 2 hour-long paddle, or maybe a 5-hour paddle. A great workout but definitely less efficient!
We stock excellent carbon, carbon/fiberglass, fiberglass, and alloy paddles – feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any of our paddles – we’d love to help!